October 3, 2018
Province and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Organize Northern Economic Development Tours
– – –Helping Spur New Partnerships, Economic Development in the North: Pedersen
The Manitoba government is partnering with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce to support a series of Economic Development Tours to northern communities, Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today.
“These northern Economic Development Tours are one of the great ideas that emerged from the Look North initiative,” said Pedersen. “We commend the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce for their leadership and commitment to the north. There are many economic opportunities in the region and these tours will help spur new partnerships and development.”
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce will host the tours for business leaders to visit local businesses in the north and meet with key decision makers and stakeholders, highlighting potential economic development opportunities in the communities.
“This initiative will give selected Manitoba communities an opportunity to showcase their local value proposition to a broader audience with the goal of expanding their local economy,” said Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “In addition, the tours will be a catalyst to begin the process of creating business relationships that may not otherwise exist.”
Davidson noted the first Economic Development Tour is scheduled to take place in Thompson on November 13 and 14 and is intended to build on the work of the Look North Steering Committee.
“We are committed to fostering development in northern Manitoba and building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities,” said Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke. “These Economic Development Tours will connect potential investors, partners and key stakeholders face-to-face, strengthening these important relationships and helping achieve increased prosperity.”
The minister noted Manitoba’s contribution includes $20,000 in funding through Manitoba Indigenous and Northern Relations and up to $50,000 in-kind from Manitoba Growth, Enterprise and Trade. Western Economic Diversification Canada is also supporting the initiative through the Churchill Regional Economic Development Fund.
The Look North Report and Action Plan for Manitoba’s Northern Economy outlines six priority areas to help advance growth and prosperity in the region including northern mineral and other resource potential, Indigenous engagement and partnerships, strategic infrastructure investment, housing challenges and opportunities, enterprise eco-system of support, and education, training and workforce development.
For more information visit https://mbchamber.mb.ca/economic-development-tours/.
For northern development news visit www.gov.mb.ca/looknorth/news.html.
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